Village Lights scheduled Thanksgiving weekend

Many central Ohio residents will be dropping that leftover turkey leg and putting on some walking shoes Dec. 1.

That's because Village Lights in German Village will be held the Sunday following Thanksgiving.

The seventh annual tradition is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 1.

It presents somewhat of a quandary for organizers.

Will the Thanksgiving holiday draw too many people out of town or will it give those who visit central Ohio another reason to visit German Village?

Nevertheless, Village Lights is always held the first Sunday in December.

Shiloh Todorov, director of the German Village Society, said she remains optimistic.

While most people will get their big box-store shopping done on Black Friday, many shoppers will look to the boutique shops in the neighborhood for more personalized gifts, Todorov said.

"I think it's such a tradition at this point," she said. "People have marked it on their calendars."

Village Lights, sponsored by the German Village Business Community, is a showcase for local businesses that offer special discounts on merchandise and other attractions, such as live music, beverages and snacks.

Thousands of candlelit luminaries, which are being assembled this year by students at Stewart Alternative Elementary School, will line neighborhood streets.

Carriage rides will return, as will Striezelmarkt.

The collection of merchants -- including German Village Vet, Juergen's and the German Village Garten Club -- will offer information, samples and products.

Scrambler Marie's will sell hot chocolate for $3 in front of Mary B's and St. Mary Catholic Church.

Proceeds will benefit the German Village Society.

Bryce Sanborn, an insurance agent at German Village Insurance who was Frankenstein at Monster Bash, will play Buddy the Elf, from the movie Elf.

Volunteers are still needed, organizers said. Those interested should go to germanvillage.com.